20 Lucrative Digital Skills to Boost Your Earning Potentials
The corporate world is evolving as technology changes the landscape. This has brought about new in-demand skills in the job market. As skills expand, everyone must stay updated to remain relevant.
Some people see these skills as GenZ trends, but it's essential to know that failing to adapt can lead to becoming old school, resulting in layoffs.
The Future of Jobs Report 2020 by the World Economic Forum highlighted that by 2025, 50% of employees will need reskilling due to technological changes. Additionally, 94% of business leaders expect employees to acquire new digital skills in the coming years.
This emphasizes the urgent need for job seekers to learn these skills, which are profitable and high-earning.
What are digital skills?
Digital skills refer to using and creating with technological devices, effectively utilizing digital tools, software, and the internet. These skills vary across niches and are essential for navigating the technologically advanced world.
They benefit organization building, brand awareness, personal branding, and enhancing agile workflow.
Why are digital skills necessary?
As of 2024, the need for digital skills must be balanced. They offer a more flexible work environment, allowing remote work instead of traditional on-site jobs.
Digital skills increase relevance in the job market, providing a competitive advantage and opening doors to better career opportunities. They also grant access to a vast range of information, from outdated to latest data, enabling adaptation to new technology innovations, and enhancing workflow, efficiency, and productivity.
Let’s dive into some of the most lucrative and highly sought-after digital skills that can set you on the path to greater career success.
1. Software Development
At the heart of most technological advancements, software development is an evergreen field with endless opportunities. Whether you're designing mobile apps, creating software solutions for businesses, or developing the next big thing in tech, software development provides the foundation for many of today’s most important technologies.
Mastering programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript can lead to roles that range from back-end developer to full-stack engineer. As more businesses require custom software solutions, the demand for skilled developers continues to rise.
Free certifications to boost your skills
Google Developers Certification - Android Developer
Microsoft Learn - Azure Developer Associate
HubSpot Academy - Developer Certification
IBM Data Science Experience - Data Science Certification
Average Earnings
A proficient software developer in Nigeria can earn between NGN 250,000 and NGN 600,000 monthly, depending on experience and the complexity of the projects they handle.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding fields today. It involves creating
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a trending profession that is gaining traction. While some believe AI will replace human jobs, it's clear that AI is here to stay.
AI involves imitating human intelligence in machines programmed to think and act like humans. Due to the advent of smart assistants, robotics, and chatbots, the demand for AI professionals is increasing.
Career paths in AI include machine learning, robotics, AI content creation, and AI prompt engineering.
Free certifications to boost your skills
Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio
Google Machine Learning Crash Course
Average Earnings
The average salary for an AI expert in Nigeria is NGN 250,000 per month, according to Glassdoor.
3. UI/UX Design
UI/UX design is another in-demand skill. UI (User Interface) design focuses on the look and feel of a website or application, while UX (User Experience) design centers on the user's experience.
Both are essential for developing apps and websites. Skills required for UI/UX design include wireframing, prototyping, and a keen eye for visually appealing designs.
Free certifications to boost your skills
Google UX Design Certification
Figma's UX Design Certification
Canvas Design School Certification
Skillshare's UI/UX Design Certification
Average Earnings
According to Payscale, the average pay for a UI/UX designer in Nigeria ranges from N112,000 to N288,000 per month.
4. Data Analysis
Data analyst helps organizations to manage data, and assist in the decision-making and growth of the business.
This profession is now key in every organization as organizations use data analysis to measure KPIs ( Key Performance Indicator Data Analysis. They play a vital role in enhancing business processes and solving complex issues using data.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Google Data Analytics Certificate
Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
Average Earnings
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data analyst in Nigeria is between NGN 150,000 and NGN 300,000 per month.
5. Graphics and Motion Design
Visual storytelling has become a cornerstone of modern marketing and branding. Graphics Designers create everything from logos to marketing content and animation.
A graphics designer uses tools like Photoshop and Illustrator to create visuals, while motion designers bring visuals to life with animation, commonly used in advertisements, social media, and websites. Strong skills in design principles and animation software are essential for those pursuing a career in this field.
A graphics designer must have skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects for animation; familiarity with principles of design, animation, and visual storytelling; creativity, and an eye for detail.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design
Motion Design Essentials (Skillshare)
Average Earnings
Salaries for graphic and motion designers in Nigeria range from NGN 100,000 to NGN 250,000 per month, depending on experience and project scope.
6. Website Design and Development
Every business needs a digital presence, and that’s where web development comes in. Web developers are responsible for building and maintaining the websites and applications we use daily. While designers focus on the site’s layout, structure, and aesthetics, developers handle the code that powers it. Both roles are essential for building responsive, functional websites that engage users and support business objectives.
Whether it is a simple portfolio site or a complex e-commerce platform, web developers and designers bring designs to life and ensure functionality.
Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various web frameworks can lead to high-demand roles in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
FreeCodeCamp Responsive Web Design
Google Web Designer Certification
Codecademy Web Development Courses
Average Earnings
Web developers in Nigeria typically earn between NGN 100,000 and NGN 350,000 per month.
7. Cybersecurity
As the world grows more connected, the threat of cyberattacks has never been greater. Organizations are always on the lookout for professionals who can protect their networks and data from malicious attacks. Cybersecurity experts design systems to safeguard information and prevent data breaches. They develop, monitor, and update security measures.
If you’re passionate about keeping data secure and enjoy solving problems, cybersecurity offers a rewarding career path with a high earning potential.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
CompTIA Security+ Certification
Average Earnings
According to Glassdoor, the average monthly salary for cybersecurity experts in Nigeria is between NGN 250,000 and NGN 400,000.
8. Digital Marketing
This profession has changed the way businesses connect with their customers. From social media campaigns to email marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), digital marketers are responsible for promoting brands and products across digital platforms. This dynamic field combines creativity with data-driven strategies to reach a global audience. Professionals in this field design strategies to drive brand awareness, engagement, and sales through online channels
Strong analytical skills, creativity, and proficiency in digital tools are key to success in digital marketing.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
Facebook Blueprint Certification
Average Earnings
Digital marketers in Nigeria earn between NGN 100,000 and NGN 250,000 per month, depending on experience and expertise.
9. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is known for powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, its applications extend far beyond digital currency. This skill involves creating secure, decentralized systems that facilitate transparent transactions. Blockchain developers are in high demand as industries seek to adopt this technology for supply chain management, financial services, and data protection.
As more companies explore the possibilities of blockchain, developers with expertise in this field are in high demand.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Ethereum Developer Certification
Average Earnings
Blockchain developers earn between NGN 250,000 and NGN 500,000 per month in Nigeria.
10. Mobile App Development
With the world going mobile-first, app development has become a lucrative career path. Mobile developers create the apps we rely on daily, from social networking tools to gaming apps. Skilled in programming languages like Swift for iOS or Java for Android, these professionals design and test apps that engage users and solve everyday problems.
Whether you’re building for iOS or Android, mastering mobile development is a smart investment for your career.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Google Android Developer Certification
Coursera Mobile App Development Specialization
Average Earnings
Monthly salaries for app developers in Nigeria typically range from NGN 200,000 to NGN 350,000.
11. Content and Copywriting
Great content is what drives successful online marketing campaigns. Whether writing for blogs, websites, or social media platforms, content creation and copywriting have become essential for businesses to engage their audiences. Strong writing skills, combined with SEO knowledge, make content writers indispensable in digital marketing.
Content and copywriters craft compelling written content for marketing, branding, and engagement purposes. From blog posts to advertisements, skilled writers create words that influence audiences and convey brand messages effectively.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
LinkedIn Learning Content Marketing Courses
Average Earnings
Copywriters in Nigeria can earn between NGN 80,000 and NGN 200,000 monthly, depending on experience and project type.
12. Coding
Learning to code is one of the most fundamental digital skills. From creating websites and apps to automating tasks, coding allows you to bring ideas to life. As technology becomes more integrated into every industry, coding is no longer just for computer science majors—it's a skill that professionals in all fields can use to enhance their work.
Coding forms the backbone of software development, with languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby in high demand. Proficiency in coding is a highly versatile skill, opening doors to various tech roles such as software engineering, data science, and app development.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Coursera’s Python for Everybody Specialization
Harvard CS50 Introduction to Computer Science
Average Earnings
Salaries for coding roles vary widely but typically range between NGN 150,000 and NGN 300,000 per month in Nigeria.
13. Content Creation
Whether through blogging, video production, or podcasting, content creators have become influencers in today’s digital world. Creating valuable content that engages an audience can lead to long-term career opportunities in media, marketing, and advertising.
Content creators produce multimedia content for digital platforms. This includes video production, blogging, social media, and podcasting. Creative and technical skills in editing, visual storytelling, and audience engagement are crucial for successful content creators.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Google YouTube Content Creation Certificate
HubSpot Free Content Creation Courses
Simplilearn Content Marketing Course
Average Earnings
Content creators in Nigeria earn between NGN 80,000 and NGN 200,000 per month.
14. Digital Project Management
With companies increasingly relying on digital tools and platforms to manage teams and projects, digital project managers have become critical in ensuring successful product launches and business operations. They oversee everything from timelines to budgets and are responsible for ensuring that teams work cohesively toward a common goal.
Digital marketing covers various strategies, from SEO to social media, to reach and engage target audiences online. With strong digital marketing, businesses can drive awareness, increase sales, and build brand loyalty.
Skills Required
SEO, content marketing, email marketing, analytics, social media management; familiarity with platforms like Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, and Hootsuite.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
Facebook Blueprint Certification
Average Earnings
Digital marketers in Nigeria generally earn between NGN 100,000 and NGN 250,000 per month.
15. Product Management
Product managers bridge the gap between technical teams and business units. They are responsible for managing a product's lifecycle, from conception to development and launch. A solid understanding of market research, user feedback, and team coordination can help you thrive in this role.
Product managers oversee the development, and design, and ensure they meet market needs and align with business objectives. From conception to launch, they work closely with engineering, marketing, and sales teams.
Skills Required
Market research, user experience knowledge, strategic thinking, data analysis, and proficiency with tools like Jira, Trello, and Figma.
Career Paths
Product Manager, Product Owner, Associate Product Manager, Head of Product, and Product Marketing Manager.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Product School Product Management Certification
Oxford Home Study Product Management Course
Great Learning Product Management Course
Average Earnings
Product managers in Nigeria typically earn between NGN 250,000 and NGN 500,000 per month.
16. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is the backbone of digital marketing. By optimizing content to rank higher on search engine results pages, SEO professionals help businesses improve their visibility online. The demand for SEO experts is constantly growing, as companies seek to boost their organic reach.
SEO specialists understand keywords, search engine algorithms, and content strategy to drive organic traffic and improve visibility.
Skills Required
Keyword research, on-page and off-page SEO, content optimization, proficiency in tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz.
Career Paths
SEO Specialist, SEO Analyst, Content SEO Strategist, SEO Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Average Earnings
SEO professionals in Nigeria can earn between NGN 100,000 and NGN 250,000 per month.
17. Cloud Computing
As more businesses move their operations to the cloud, the demand for cloud computing specialists grows. Cloud technology enables companies to store data, host applications, and provide services over the Internet.
Cloud computing involves delivering various services (storage, databases, servers, and more) over the internet. Cloud computing specialists build, deploy, and maintain cloud infrastructure, which is essential as companies migrate to cloud-based solutions for efficiency.
Skills Required
Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud; understanding of data security, server management, networking, and virtualization.
Career Paths
Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, and System Administrator.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Average Earnings
The average pay is N300,000 and N600,000 monthly, depending on expertise
18. Social Media Management
Social media management is a skill that is responsible for building a brand presence across various social media platforms. They create content, engage with followers, and track performance metrics. Skilled social media managers are in great demand because of the importance social media plays in marketing nowadays.
Social media managers create, schedule, and analyze content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. They build brand presence, engage audiences, and use analytics to optimize social media strategies.
Skills required for understanding social media platforms include content creation, communication skills, analytics, and experience with scheduling tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social.
Career Paths
Social Media Manager, Community Manager, Content Strategist, Social Media Coordinator, Brand Manager.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Facebook Blueprint Certification
Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification
Google Digital Marketing & Social Media
Average Earnings
Social media managers in Nigeria generally earn between NGN 80,000 and NGN 200,000 per month.
19. 3D Modeling and Animation
As virtual reality, gaming, and digital media continue to grow, 3D modeling and animation have become crucial. Whether you’re creating characters for a video game or animated scenes for a film, 3D artists are essential to bringing these visual experiences to life.
Animators bring models to life, while 3D modelers create detailed designs and textures for characters, objects, and environments.
3D software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max; understanding of textures, lighting, rendering, and animation; creativity and attention to detail are necessary skills for 3D modeling and animation
Career Paths
3D Animator, 3D Modeler, Character Animator, Visual Effects Artist, Game Developer.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Blender Fundamentals (Blender Foundation)
CG Spectrum 3D Animation Course
Average Earnings
In Nigeria, 3D modelers and animators earn between NGN 150,000 and NGN 350,000 monthly.
20. Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses, entrepreneurs, or busy professionals from remote locations. Tasks include managing emails, scheduling meetings, data entry, and customer service. As more go remote, the need for virtual assistants continues to rise. They help clients streamline their workflows.
Time management, communication, organizational skills, proficiency with tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and scheduling tools like Calendly are important skills for every virtual assistant.
Career Paths
Virtual Assistant, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Project Coordinator, Customer Support Specialist.
Free Certifications to Boost Your Skill
Educourse Virtual Assistant Certificate
HubSpot Customer Service Training
Alison Virtual Assistant Course
Average Earnings
Virtual assistants in Nigeria can earn between NGN 50,000 and NGN 150,000 per month, with the potential for higher pay based on skill level and services offered.
Final Thought
In a world where technology is changing the way we work and live, staying ahead of the curve by acquiring the right digital skills is more important than ever. Whether you're drawn to coding, digital marketing, or protecting online data, there are countless opportunities for individuals who embrace these high-demand skills.
The more you invest in learning and mastering these digital abilities, the greater your chances of unlocking career success and financial stability. Keep learning, stay curious, and prepare yourself for the jobs of tomorrow.
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